Helpline

Rest Breaks: Ways to Prove Employees Receive Duty-Free Time

Recently, an employee complained to management that they were not receiving rest breaks. Because the breaks are paid, the employees do not clock out...

Applicant’s Criminal History Off Limits Until After Making Job Offer

We want to protect our company and staff from criminals. Can we ask applicants if they have a felony conviction in our application or...

Factors to Consider When Deciding Whether to Pay for ‘Try-Out’ Time

If we ask a job applicant to demonstrate their job skills during an interview, do we have to pay them for their time? During the...

No Retroactive Fix for Underpayment to Exempt Employee

I recently took over as HR director for my company, and I discovered that for the last seven months, the company wasn’t paying the...

Employee Arrested While Off Duty? Proceed Cautiously; Gather Facts

One of our employees did not show up for work yesterday and failed to call or otherwise notify us of his absence. We have...

Final Paycheck: Employee Pickup or Mail? Answers to FAQs

If an employee quits without giving any notice, I believe I have a window of time to prepare a final paycheck. Does the employee...

Standards Board Moving to Adopt Non-Emergency COVID Regulation

I hear that the Cal/OSHA Standards Board will be presenting for public comment and future adoption a final version of the Emergency Temporary Standards...

Applicant with Criminal History? Follow Process Before Revoking Offer

We ran a criminal background check on a prospective new employee and the check revealed some criminal history. Can we choose to revoke the...

Layoffs Involve Some Strict Rules with a Bit of Employer Discretion

Due to a number of reasons, we are going to have to lay off a few employees. I have heard that there are certain...

Company BBQ: Factors to Consider Before Sending Invites to Employees

We are having an offsite company barbecue this summer. What should I consider before hosting this event? Employer-sponsored social events are a great way to...